Playing Cards Deck and Method of Play

ABSTRACT

A playing cards deck and play method including a plurality of first edge value indicia; a plurality of second edge value indicia; a plurality of third edge value indicia; and a plurality of four edged cards, each edge among the cards&#39; edges displaying one of the indicia among the first, second, and third pluralities of edge value indicia, wherein the play method includes successive playing by card game contestants of cards among the plurality of four edged cards, the successive play including placements of the cards upon a play surface, and arranging the cards so that at least a first edge value indicia of each successively played card abuts at least one matching edge value indicia of a previously played card; points being awarded to each contestant who completes a square matrix of cards, and the contestant having the highest points being declared the winner.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to playing cards which are playable in a sides matching fashion upon a flat playing surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Playing card decks commonly comprise a series of cards which include a deck including a defined card identification scheme. Such card decks commonly allow a card game player to strategically deduce or infer probabilities relating to the identity of cards not seen or not played via the player's view of an incomplete subset of the card series, and via the player's knowledge and understanding of the identity and character of all of the cards among the card deck.

For example, a card game contestant playing with a standard 52 card deck (conventionally including four suits of cards, e.g., 2-10, jack, queen, king, and ace members of spade, heart, diamond and club suits) is commonly able to deduce probabilities relating to the identity of cards among the deck which have not been viewed or have not been played. Such deductions are grounded upon the player's views of other cards among the deck and upon his generalized knowledge of the identity of all cards among the deck. The 52 card deck's conventional scheme of suits and card values within the suits functionally assists in the making of such deductions and inferences.

The instant inventive card deck, in an improved and enhanced fashion, facilitates such game contestant card identity knowledge and deduction by utilizing the card's four edges for display of quadruples or series of card edge value indicia. Such series cause each of the deck's cards to display a unique array of edge value indicia, where the number of cards among the deck is specified by the formula (n⁴+n²+2n)/4, with “n” representing a small number of unique card edge value indicia such as 3, 4, or 5.

The instant invention's utilization of the (n⁴+n²+2n)/4 edge value series formula advantageously allows card game contestants utilizing the inventive card deck and playing the inventive card game based thereon to memorize and/or conceptually understand the identity of each of the cards among the deck. The instant invention's association of unique mathematically based card indicia series with the cards' edges further advantageously facilitates a card edge matching mode of card game play upon a flat play surface, such game play utilizing deduction and inference strategies that are facilitated by the inventive card deck's series indicia.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant inventive playing card deck preferably comprises a plurality of four edged cards. In the preferred embodiment, each card among the plurality of four edge cards is substantially square, and is composed of durable paper card stock. Further components of the instant inventive card deck comprise a first plurality, a second plurality, and at least a third plurality of edge value indicia. Such indicia are suitably fastened to and displayed upon the card stock via a printing process. In a preferred embodiment, the first edge value indicia comprise blank image-less spaces, the second edge value indicia comprise plain arrows, and the at least third edge value indicia comprise notched or crossed arrows. Suitably, the first, second, and third edge value indicia may comprise other images or symbols such as letters, numbers, distinctive geometric shapes, and distinctive images.

In a suitable alternative, the cards of the instant inventive deck may be virtual or digitally generated, with individual cards and indicia thereon appearing upon a computer's visual output device.

In the preferred embodiment of the instant inventive playing cards deck, the first, second, and third edge value indicia are displayed in series or quadruples about the edges of the preferably square cards, each edge value indicia series being unique with respect to that of each other card's series. Where the inventive card deck presents three unique edge value indicia, the formula (n⁴+n²+2n)/4 defines the number of unique cards in the deck. In such formula, the variable “n” may represent as few as three unique edge value indicia. Where “n” equals 3, (n⁴+n²+2n)/4 equals 24, which is a preferred minimum total number of cards in the inventive deck.

Where the inventive card deck utilizes four unique edge values instead of three (e.g., utilizing a blank space, a plain arrow, a notched arrow, and double notched arrow), “n” equals 4 and the above formula requires a deck of 70 unique edge value series cards. Where the card deck utilizes four unique edge values, 24 of the cards of the resultant 70 card deck are necessarily identical to a smaller card deck defined by only three of the four unique edge values. A five edge value card deck results in 165 unique edge value series cards, such card deck comprising both the above described 24 card deck, and the above described 70 card deck.

In a preferred mode of game play utilizing the inventive playing cards deck, each of two or more game playing contestants are dealt two or more cards from the deck. Upon being dealt his or her cards, each contestant is immediately able to deduce and infer probabilities relating to the identity of cards dealt the other contestants, and the identity of un-dealt cards remaining in the deck. The contestants' ability to make such deductions and inferences is facilitated by the card deck's (n⁴+n²+2n)/4 formula based series of unique edge values, which allows for a quick and easy conceptual understanding of the cards' individual configurations. Such conceptual understanding assists in the making of strategic choices during game play.

In the preferred mode of play, the game playing contestants play cards in succession, laying them upon a flat table surface. Following a play, a contestant may draw a replacement card from the deck to maintain a prescribed number of cards in his or her hand. In each successive card play, the contestant playing the card may match at least a first card side with a side of a previously played card, each card play being directed to an objective of completing square matrixes of cards. In the preferred mode of game play, contestants completing square matrixes of cards are awarded positive points, and at an end of play, the contestant accumulating the most awarded points is declared a winner.

Accordingly, objects of the instant invention include the provision of a playing cards deck and play method which incorporate structures, as described above, and which prescribes game play steps, as described above, such structural provision and game play steps being arranged, configured, and ordered for the achievement of the benefits, functions, and advantages described above.

Other and further objects, benefits, and advantages of the instant invention will become known to those skilled in the art upon review of the Detailed Description which follows, and upon review of the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-24 present images of faces of a preferred embodiment of the instant inventive card deck.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the instant inventive card deck in a stacked configuration, the topmost card corresponding with the card of FIG. 12.

FIG. 26 presents a fanned hand of cards.

FIG. 27 presents a grouping of cards placed and arranged during game play.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND A PREFERRED MODE OF GAME PLAY

Referring now to the drawings and in particular simultaneously to Drawing FIGS. 12 and 25, the FIG. 12 playing card is, for the sake of example, shown at the top of the instant inventive card deck which is referred to generally by Reference Arrow 3. The FIG. 12 card is preferably substantially square, and has a face 2 and a reverse or back side (not within views). The FIG. 12 card is preferably composed of durable card stock and has first, second, third, and fourth sides 4, 6, 8, and 10. Card edges 12, 14, 16, and 18 reside upon card face 2, and respectively closely abut or approach the card sides 4, 6, 8, and 10. Corner zones or spaces are preferably formed and defined by corner indicia 20 positioned between card sides 4, 6, 8, and 10, and between card edges 12, 14, 16, and 18. Referring further simultaneously to FIGS. 1-11 and 13-24, each of the depicted four edged cards is preferably substantially structurally identical to the FIG. 12 card.

Referring further simultaneously to FIGS. 12 and 25, first, second, and third card edge value indicia 22, 24, and 26 are depicted. The first card indicia edge value indicia 22 is designated by a dashed line oval signifying a blank space residing near side 4 at card edge 12. Plain un-notched arrows 24 positioned at card edges 14 and 18 signify the second card edge value indicia, and a notched or crossed arrow 26 positioned at card edge 16 signifies a suitable third card edge value indicia. The blank space 22, plain arrow 24, and notched arrow 26 indicia appearing upon the FIG. 12 card are intended as being representative of other suitably substituted first, second, and at least third card edge value indicia such as distinct numbers, distinct letters, distinct geometric shapes, and distinct images of articles or things. Referring further simultaneously to FIGS. 1-11 and 13-24, the first, second, and third card edge value indicia 22, 24, and 26 of the inventive card deck are utilized and displayed in similar fashions upon cards among the 24 cards of the instant inventive deck.

Referring further simultaneously to FIGS. 12 and 25, the first card edge value indicia 22, being a blank or arrow-less space, is advantageously assigned or ascribed a numerical value of zero. The other two edge value indicia displayed upon the card (i.e., the pair of plain arrows 24 and the single notched arrow 26) are correspondingly advantageously assigned values of one and two. Suitably, other numeric values may be assigned to the card's edge value indicia. Given the respective assignments of the preferred 0, 1, and 2 edge values to the indicia 22, 24, and 26, the total of the edge values appearing on FIG. 12 card equals 4. To reflect such edge value sum, an integer indicia 28 comprising the number 4 is preferably centrally printed upon the FIG. 12 card. Referring further to FIGS. 1-11 and 13-24, each card's central integer indicia preferably signifies the sum of the card's edge values.

Referring further to FIGS. 12 and 25, it may be seen that each of the corner indicia 20 of the FIG. 12 card reflects and replicates at the card's corners both the card's central integer indicia 28 and the card's four edge value indicia 22, 24, 26, and 24. Referring further to Drawing FIG. 6, the presence of such corner indicia 20 upon the FIG. 12 card allows dealt sets of the cards to be held by a game playing contestant in the conventional manner of a fanned hand 30. In the fanned hand 30, the values associated with each card held by the contestant are conveniently displayed at the cards' exposed corners. In any rotational orientation of the cards of the fanned hand 30, corners and corner indicia 20 are conveniently upwardly exposed, allowing the game playing contestant to assess the content of his or her hand without the necessity of individually moving and repositioning the cards.

Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 1-24, it may be seen that each of the depicted cards includes an edge value indicia array or series which differs from that of each other card among such 24 cards. Beginning with the uppermost edge value indicia shown upon each of the cards among the FIGS. 1-24 cards, and progressing about each of such cards in a clockwise fashion, the edge value indicia series depicted upon Drawing FIGS. 1-24 are as set forth in the following table:

FIG. 1 first, first, first, first FIG. 2 first, first, first, second FIG. 3 first, first, first, third FIG. 4 first, first, second, second FIG. 5 first, first, second, third FIG. 6 first, first, third, second FIG. 7 first, first, third, third FIG. 8 first, second, first, second FIG. 9 first, second, first, third FIG. 10 first, second, second, second FIG. 11 first, second, second, third FIG. 12 first, second, third, second FIG. 13 first, second, third, third FIG. 14 first, third, first, third FIG. 15 first, third, second, second FIG. 16 first, third, second, third FIG. 17 first, third, third, second FIG. 18 first, third, third, third FIG. 19 second, second, second, second FIG. 20 second, second, second, third FIG. 21 second, second, third, third FIG. 22 second, third, second, third FIG. 23 second, third, third, third FIG. 24 third, third, third, third Where a value n equals a number of unique edge values, and where those edge values are displayed in rotational series about the edges of four edged cards (for example, the FIGS. 1-24 cards), the number of unique four edged cards which include such edge value series is determined by the formula (n⁴+n²+2n)/4. Where n equals 3, as with the three distinct edge values of the cards of FIGS. 1-24 (i.e., the blank edge value, the plain arrow edge value, and the notched arrow edge value), said formula produces the number 24. Hence, the 24 unique cards of the instant inventive deck.

For purposes of accommodating a greater number of game playing contestants, the number of unique edge value indicia displayed within the deck may be increased from 3 to 4. For example, a card deck utilizing blank space, plain arrow, notched arrow, and double notched arrow indicia may be utilized, resulting in an “n” value of four. Where n equals four, the (n⁴+n²+2n)/4 formula produces a deck of 70 cards, each bearing a unique rotational series including indicia among the four edge value indicia. Where the inventive card deck includes 70 cards, each of the cards of the 24 cards of the n=3 based deck is included within or comprises a sub-set of the 70 card deck. To accommodate an even larger number of players, the value “n” may be increased to 5 (by adding, for example, a triple notched arrow), resulting in a 165 card deck.

The instant inventive playing card deck's utilization of the (n⁴+n²+2n)/4 formula prescribing the number of cards in the deck, along with the instant invention's correlation of unique rotational edge value series within the card deck allows card game playing contestants utilizing the inventive card deck to easily mentally conceptualize, understand, and memorize the various cards which are included within the inventive deck. Accordingly, the inventive deck facilitates game playing contestants' ability to deduce or infer probabilities relating to the identity of unviewed cards held by other game playing contestants or remaining in an undealt stack of the cards. Such card identity deduction facilitation enhances the inventive card deck's ability to support strategic card game play.

Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 1-24, 26 and 27, in a preferred of mode play utilizing the inventive card deck, a plurality of game playing contestants, suitably as few as two contestants, may each be dealt a hand 30 of cards among the FIGS. 1-24 cards. Thereafter, a first contestant may play upon a flat play surface 32 such as a table top a first card such as the FIG. 9 card.

Thereafter, the second game playing contestant may play a next successive card such as the FIG. 3 card. As indicated in FIG. 27, the second game playing contestant opted to match the third edge value indicia (i.e., the notched arrow) of the FIG. 3 card with the FIG. 9 card's third edge value indicia. In such successive card play, the second contestant might have suitably alternatively matched any of the FIG. 3 cards' three first edge value indicia with either one of the FIG. 9 card's first edge value indicia.

Thereafter, in a next successive game play turn, the first game contestant may play the FIG. 20 card as indicated with one of such card's second edge value indicia matching the FIG. 9 card's single second edge value indicia.

Thereafter, the second game playing contestant may play in turn the FIG. 17 card as indicated. According to the configurations of cards appearing upon the table 32 immediately prior to such successive play turn, the second game playing contestant would have had eight other ways to matchingly play the FIG. 17 card, including a possible opposite side match of the FIG. 9 card, three modes of matching the FIG. 3 card, and four modes of matching the FIG. 20 card.

Assuming that the first game playing contestant has in his or her hand the five cards indicated in Drawing FIG. 26 (i.e., the FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 11, FIG. 14, and FIG. 18 cards), he or she is able to play at the next play turn one of his or her cards upon the table 32 to complete a square matrix of cards in five separate and distinct ways. Any one of the first contestant's FIG. 5, FIG. 11, FIG. 14, and FIG. 18 cards may be played by the first contestant within space 34 to complete a four card matrix which includes the FIG. 17, FIG. 9, and FIG. 3 cards. Alternatively, the first game contestant may play the FIG. 6 card within space 36 to complete a different four card matrix which includes the FIG. 20, FIG. 9, and FIG. 17 cards.

The instant inventive game establishes a game playing objective of completing one or more of such four card matrixes. In pursuit of such objective, the first contestant may recognize upon said game turn that, upon playing the FIG. 6 card within space 36, the only other cards among the 24 card deck which could be played within space 34 to complete a second four card matrix are the FIG. 7, FIG. 13, and FIG. 16 cards. The first game playing contestant may choose as a matter of strategy to play the FIG. 6 card within space 36 with such card's third and second edge value indicia respectively matching those of the FIG. 20 and FIG. 17 cards. The strategy of such a card play would rest upon a comparison of the probability that each of the FIGS. 7, 13, and 16 (i.e., the available cards that are playable within space 34) cards resides in the card deck rather than the hand held by the second contestant, with the probability that each of the FIGS. 12, 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23 cards (i.e., the available cards that are playable within space 36) reside in the card deck. Provided that each card among the FIG. 7, FIG. 13, and FIG. 16 cards has yet to be dealt to or drawn by the second game playing contestant, the first game playing contestant is assured that on his or her next play turn, one of the FIG. 5, FIG. 11, FIG. 14, or FIG. 18 cards will be playable within space 34, resulting in a second completion by the first contestant of a square card matrix. The probability of completing a second square matrix at space 34 may be seen by the first contestant as inherently greater than the probability of completing a second square matrix at space 36. The first game playing contestant's knowledge of the identity of the cards among the 24 card deck, along with his or her views of the cards in his or her own hand, and views of cards played upon the table, advantageously allows the first contestant to assess such probabilities and to strategically perceive the greater likelihood that the second game playing contestant holds a card playable within space 36. Thus, the next card play executed by the first contestant may advisedly constitute a placement of the FIG. 6 card within space 36.

Strategic choices, inferences, and deductions of the type described above continuously arise as the game play progresses, and the unique configuration of the card's edge value indicia continuously facilitates the making of such strategic choices.

In the preferred mode of play of the instant inventive card game, points are awarded to each game playing contestant who completes a square card matrix. Integer indicia appearing upon the cards of completed square matrixes may be a factor in points awards, such factor advantageously enhancing the game's capacity for strategic play.

At a termination of play, the game playing contestant having the most cumulative awarded points is declared to be the winner.

While the principles of the invention have been made clear in the above illustrative embodiment, those skilled in the art may make modifications in the structure, arrangement, portions, and components of the inventive card deck, and those skilled in the art may make modifications to the method steps including their identity, character, and sequence of performance without departing from the principles of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the description and drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in the limiting sense, and that the invention be given a scope at least commensurate with the appended claims. 

The invention hereby claimed is:
 1. A playing cards deck comprising: (a) a plurality of first edge value indicia; (b) a plurality of second edge value indicia; (c) a plurality of third edge value indicia; and (d) a plurality of four edged cards, each edge among said cards' edges displaying one of the indicia among the first, second, and third pluralities of edge value indicia.
 2. The playing card deck of claim 1 wherein each card among the plurality of four edged cards displays an indicia series, each card's indicia series comprising an edge value series selected from the group consisting of a first edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, first edge value series; a first edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, second edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, second edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, second edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, second edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, second edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia series; a second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a second edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a second edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; and a third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series.
 3. The playing card deck of claim 2 wherein each edge value indicia among the pluralities of first, second, and third edge value indicia has a numerical value.
 4. The playing card deck of claim 3 wherein each card among the plurality of four edged cards displays an integer, said each card's integer being equal to the sum of the numerical values of said each card's edge value indicia.
 5. The playing card deck of claim 4 wherein the numerical value of each first edge value indicia equals zero, wherein the numerical value of each second edge value indicia equals one, and wherein the numerical value of each third edge value indicia equals two.
 6. The playing card deck of claim 5 wherein each first edge value indicia comprises a blank space, wherein each second edge value indicia comprises an arrow, and wherein each third edge value indicia comprises a notched arrow.
 7. The playing card deck of claim 2 wherein the plurality of four edged cards comprises 24 substantially square cards.
 8. The playing card deck of claim 7 wherein each card's edge value series differs from that of each other card's edge value series.
 9. The playing card deck of claim 4 wherein each card among the plurality of four edged cards has four corners, and further comprising a plurality of corner indicia corresponding with the cards' indicia series, each card's corner indicia reflecting said each card's edge value indicia and reflecting said each card's integer.
 10. A method for determining a winner among a plurality of card game contestants, said method comprising steps of: (a) providing a plurality of four edged playing cards, each edge among said cards' edges displaying an indicia selected from the group consisting of first edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, and third edge value indicia; (b) successive playing by the card game contestants of cards among the plurality of four edge cards, said successive play comprising placements of said cards upon a play surface, and comprising arrangements of said cards wherein at least a first edge value indicia of each successively played card abuts at least one matching edge value indicia of a previously played card; (c) awarding points to each card game contestant who, upon one of said each contestant's card plays, completes a square matrix of cards; and (d) declaring one of the card game contestants the winner, said one of the contestants being a contestant having a highest cumulative amount of awarded points.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the card providing step provides four edged cards each of which displays an indicia series, selected from the group consisting of a first edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, first edge value series; a first edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, second edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, second edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, second edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, second edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, first edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, second edge value indicia series; a first edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia series; a second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a second edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a second edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, second edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; a second edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series; and a third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia, third edge value indicia series.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein each edge value indicia among the pluralities of first, second, and third edge value indicia has a numerical value.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein each card among the plurality of four edged cards displays an integer, said each card's integer being equal to the sum of the numerical values of said each card's edge value indicia.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein the numerical value of each first edge value indicia equals zero, wherein the numerical value of each second edge value indicia equals one, and wherein the numerical value of each third edge value indicia equals two.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein each first edge value indicia comprises a blank space, wherein each second edge value indicia comprises an arrow, and wherein each third edge value indicia comprises a notched arrow.
 16. The method of claim 12 wherein the plurality of four edged cards comprises 24 substantially square cards.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein each card's edge value indicia series differs from that of each other card's edge value indicia series.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein each card among the plurality of four edged cards has four corners, and further comprising a plurality of corner indicia corresponding with the cards' edge value indicia series, each card's corner indicia reflecting said each card's edge value indicia series and reflecting said each card's integer. 